Soft drinks

Suddenly, it seems, U.S. brewers are looking to change one of the most popular and endearing features of their cans--the easy-opening features. Last month (See PW, August '96, page 8), we reported on the conversion by Miller Brewing Co., Milwaukee, WI, from its standard, easy-opening stay-on tab (SOT) end to a large opening end (LOE) developed for Miller by Reynolds Metals Co.

E-BOOK SPECIAL REPORT

The 2014 Trends Report

Sign up to receive timely updates from our editors and download this e-book consisting of our editors' picks of most notable package designs. Updated for 2014!

Hartness (Greenville, SC) has introduced the OctoPack(TM) continuous-motion case packer. It packs plastic or glass containers of most shapes and sizes into a range of case types, including RSCs, corrugated trays, tab lock trays, and soft drink or dairy-type cases with or without partitions, of any depth.

Until a couple of years ago, American packagers using cans seemed satisfied with the straight sidewall profile and functionality of most metal cans. The cans were strong, easy to fill and seam, and offered a number of labeling, case packing and stacking options.

Call it the no-label look that's almost no label at all. Hereford, U.K.-based H.P. Bulmer is hoping the minimalist look of its Decoda alcoholic soda will appeal to its targeted 18-to-22-year-old demographic.